Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution seeking legislation allowing for Killeen municipal elections to be conducted in November.
Summary
DATE: March 22, 2022
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Traci Briggs, City Attorney
SUBJECT: Seek legislation allowing for Killeen municipal elections in November
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
The City of Killeen conducts its municipal elections in May each year based on the uniform election dates provided in the Texas Elections Code. Although there is a November election date as well, it is not an option for the City of Killeen. Elections Code section 41.0052(a) provides that the governing body of a political subdivision holding an election on a date other than November had to move its elections to November before December 31, 2016, which the City did not do.
The City Council has discussed that it would prefer the option to move the City’s elections to November. On January 26, 2021, the City Council approved resolution 21-013 to amend its 2021-2022 state legislative priorities and principles to include seeking legislation to allow elections to move to November. In the 87th legislative session in 2021, legislation was introduced to allow municipal elections in November, but none became law. The City Council again discussed the issue on March 15, 2022, and made a motion of direction for staff to bring an item forward for consideration to again seek legislation.
If approved, the City’s legislative consultant will be made aware of the City Council’s desire to seek this legislation, and it will be included in the City’s legislative priorities and principles to be developed later this year.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
The City Council may disapprove seeking legislation to move to November elections, or it may approve seeking legislation to move to November elections.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff recommends approving to seek legislation to move to November elections based on a motion of direction approved by the City Council on March 15, 2022.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This item conforms to city policy.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
There is no fiscal impact related to this item.
Is this a one-time or recurring expenditure?
N/A
Is this expenditure budgeted?
N/A
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this expenditure?
N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
Based on the City Council’s March 15, 2022, motion of direction, staff recommends that the City Council approve seeking legislation to allow the City of Killeen to move to November municipal elections.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
N/A
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
N/A